FISH PONDS ON FARMS, 21 
of fish that is foreign to their community with which to begin their 
operations. ‘To illustrate some of the impractical ideas entertained, 
the Bureau of Fisheries is often asked to furnish the species of trout 
indigenous to the Great Lakes for stocking southern waters, or the 
flounder (a salt-water fish) for introduction into the ponds in the 
interior. 
In general it may be assumed that the species which is the most 
prolific in the public waters of the region in question will be the 
likeliest to produce material results, and by procuring adult fish 
for breeders the pond in which they are placed should become 
stocked to its maximum capacity within a year. On the other hand, 
if State or Federal aid is relied upon only a limited number of 
fingerling or, at best, yearling fish will be available for beginning 
operations, and it will require from two to three years for them to 
mature and stock the ponds throngh natural reproduction. 
The wisest course, then, will be to choose some native species and 
to make a persistent effort to secure adult specimens. This can best 
be done in the fall months, when the fish will more quickly recover 
from slight injuries which, during a period of high temperature, 
might develop into ugly sores and possibly kill them. 
Fish hooked only in the mouth are in no way harmed for breeders, 
but the greatest precaution must be taken in holding them and in 
transporting them to the pond. Loosening or rubbing off of scales 
induces a fungus growth which will eventually spread over the body 
and result fatally. As the fish are captured they may be placed in 
buckets or tubs, which may be darkened by throwing an old blanket or 
carpet over the top. In changing the water, which should be done as 
often as the fish seem to require it, care should be taken not to excite 
them. When the fish are to be held for several days before they can 
be transferred to the pond, it ‘s advisable to excavate a shallow 
basin at the margin of the lake or river where the collection is 
being made and arrange for a moderate flow of water from the main 
body through its entire length. A pool of running water 6 feet 
long, 3 feet wide, and from 12 to 18 inches deep will hold two or 
three dozen large fish with safety. Live boxes should not be used, 
as fish held in them will bruise themselves beyond recovery. 
In conveying fish a considerable distance by rail or wagon, recep- 
tacles of such diameter that each specimen may lie at full length on 
the bottom should be provided. The depth of the water is a matter 
of less importance, but it should be kept at the proper temperature 
and well aerated. If necessary, ice may be used to maintain an even 
temperature corresponding to that from which the fish were taken; 
but if that be high and the distance to the pond great, it will be 
found easier to reduce the temperature to 65°, and gradually raise it 
